Chef's Choice Diamond Hone Multi-Stage 110

Reviewers agree the Chef's Choice Diamond Hone Multi-Stage 110 offers an affordable alternative to pricier electric knife sharpeners. As the cheaper sibling to the Chef's Choice 120 Diamond Hone 3-Stage Professional Knife Sharpener (*Est. $130), the Chef's Choice 110 has three sets of diamond abrasive hones. Each hone slot sharpens at a different angle using magnetic guides (which experts say aren't as accurate as the spring guides found on the Chef's Choice 120). The Chef's Choice 110 is not designed for serrated knives like the 120, but it will sharpen other cutlery that fits comfortably in its slots, including some pocket and hunting knives (it won't sharpen scissors, however).

Unlike the Chef's Choice 120, the Chef's Choice 110 lacks a stropping stage and is less powerful, so sharpening takes a bit longer. To its advantage, the Chef's Choice 110 grinds less aggressively, meaning more strokes are required, but it removes metal at a slower rate than its speedier counterpart. Overall, it takes about twice as long to sharpen as the Chef's Choice 120. Still, experts warn that a little inattention can result in metal loss, and some users say their blades were scratched. Despite these drawbacks, most owners say the Chef's Choice 110 is sturdy and sharpens knives well and quickly, while one foodie magazine says it's a worthy choice for folks on a budget.  

EGullet.org and Cook's Illustrated both review and recommend the Chef's Choice 110 knife sharpener. Owner reviews at Amazon.com and Cooking.com help to reveal potential problems with long-term use.